WSP10230

• File Number: 8278.400
• Description: Title I - Mexican Treaty and Minute 242
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 1/1/1976
• Author: IBWC
• Title: Minute 242 Annual Report
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Annual Report

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To provide a technical basis for consideration of groundwater basins
in the border areas, contemplated in Minute No. 242, the Commission
has initiated a program for exchange of groundwater data for the two
major groundwater basins lying partly in the United States and partly
in Mexico: 1) the Colorado River Delta Area and 2) The El Paso-
Juarez Valley. The U.S. Section has also proposed that a data exchange
program be initiated for the Rio Sonoyta Basin adjacent to the Arizona-
Sonora boundary. The objective of the exchange is to make all available
hydrologic, geologic,and water quality data in either country available
to both countries for study to determine if there are present or potential
problems, and to analyze such problems as exist.

The data exchange program for the El Paso-Juarez Area began in 1974,
and continued through 1976. The program for the exchange of data
relating to groundwater in the Colorado River Delta Area, started in
1972, was continued in 1976. The U.S. Section has initiated a study of
both areas and the preliminary findings are anticipated in 1977.

New Developments

Point 6 of Minute No. 242 provides that:

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" . the United States and Mexico shall consult with each
other prior to undertaking any new development of either the
surface or the groundwater resources, or undertaking substantial
modifications of present developments, in its own territory in
the border area that might adversely affect the other country."

The Bureau of Reclamation drilled a pilot well in a proposed well field
between the All American Canal and the international boundary west of
Calexico. Mexico was advised of the development and data for the pilot
well was given to Mexico.

Assistance to Mexico in Rehabilitation Program

Point 7 of Minute No. 242 provides that:

"The United States will support efforts by Mexico to obtain
appropriate financing on favorable terms for the improvement
and rehabilitation of the Mexicali Valley. The United States
will also provide nonreimbursable assistance on a basis mutually
acceptable to both countries, exclusively for those aspects of
the Mexi~an rehabilitation program of the Mexicali Valley
relating to the salinity problem, including tile drainage."

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The Government of Mexico has not asked the United States for assistance
in obtaining financing for the improvement and rehabilitation of the
Mexicali Valley. Nor has Mexico proposed nonreimbursable assistance
for those aspects of the Mexican rehabilitation program relating to
the salinity problem, including tile drainage. The Mexicali Valley
rehabilitation program waS 95% complete at the end of calendar year 1976.